Local Entrepreneurs to Open Fine Men's Salon at MarketFair

18|8 Fine Men's Salons, renowned on the West Coast for its distinctive collection of upscale men's grooming and salon services offered at moderate prices, will soon be available for men living and working in the Princeton area. Local entrepreneurs Matt and Nancy Weingast have signed a lease with MarketFair to bring this upscale concept focused on men's grooming to the acclaimed 246,000 square-foot lifestyle center.

Conveniently situated along Route 1 and adjacent to numerous office locations and prime shopping destinations, men working, living and commuting nearby will soon have easy access to premium grooming services at a salon built for and focused on serving men. The center's close proximity and easy accessibility to downtown Princeton will also enable members of the Princeton University community to take advantage of 18|8's high quality services. "We are offering men throughout the Princeton area our high quality grooming and salon services in an environment designed just for them," said Matt, who spent 24 years in the Army and Army Reserve as an officer, followed by years as a corporate attorney, before pursuing this newest venture. "The experience at 18|8 is unlike one at any existing salon or barbershop in the area. When men walk into one of our stylish, modern facilities, they are entering a one-of-a-kind retreat from the outside world. At 18|8, men come in to enjoy our premium salon services in a semi-private, very friendly and trendy environment that they really cannot find anywhere else." The new 18|8 location in Princeton will channel the essence of cool confidence directly to its discerning clientele, leaving men looking their best and feeling even better. 18|8 offers men the same transformative effect from which the name 18|8 comes "" transforming raw steel, by adding 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel to make a better looking and better performing end product known to us as stainless steel. Madison Marquette, the property management firm that leases, markets and manages the premier specialty center, is excited to add the 18|8 brand to MarketFair's already stellar line up of exclusive to market dining destinations and retail concepts.

"18|8 is a brand that personifies quality, and an excellent reflection of our unique merchandising mix," said Richard Kenwood, general manager of MarketFair. Team members at 18|8 are extensively trained to take the time to learn about clients, their personalities and special needs, and then cater services to match their lifestyle choices. At 18|8, men can relax in the brand's signature lounge area before their grooming services, which range from cuts and styling (modern and classic) to straight-edge hot lather shaves, facials, massages, scalp treatments and more. Customers may even purchase memberships that provide member perks such as complimentary clean-ups and other grooming benefits.

The Weingasts fell in love with the business model and culture associated with 18|8 and knew it was a great fit for the men in Princeton once they had the opportunity to visit and try the 18|8 services first hand. "18|8 is all about the transformation of man to be his very best," said Matt. "I spent years wearing a Kevlar helmet on my head as an Army Officer "" so perhaps at times my hair style and grooming expectations were not top concerns, however, once I tried a straight razor shave and hand crafted hair cut at 18|8, I immediately realized that I had been missing out on a very relaxing experience." With Matt's extensive background in management and legal consulting and Nancy's background as a registered nurse in a service environment, the duo understands the importance of a brand promise and its relationship with customers. Their deep understanding of the brand and necessary skill sets have set them up well to serve the growth of 18|8 Fine Men's Salons in the area.

"The Weingasts are exactly the right entrepreneurs to grow the brand in the Princeton area," said Scott Griffiths, founder and CEO of 18|8 Fine Men's Salons. "Their commitment to quality customer service is unwavering and their business intellect is outstanding. They really understand our systematic growth approach and recognize the strong demand for this particular salon brand to fill the niche locally." Griffiths, who launched 18|8 Fine Men's Salons in 2002, has a track record of creating breakthrough brands. Given his company's successes during the past decade, he recently began franchising 18|8, sharing the opportunity for driven entrepreneurs such as the Weingasts to become part of its growth. Griffiths is a recognized marketing and branding trendsetter who has created and built industry-leading companies across several sectors, including within the salon segment. He has cast his golden touch on the cruise industry with Crystal Cruises, the luxury communications industry with Vertu and the hair care industry, recently as the creator of the brand Mitch for Men from Paul Mitchell.

About 18|8 Fine Men's Salons Claiming its name from the original formula for stainless steel, 18% chromium + 8% nickel added to steel, 18|8 Fine Men's Salons offers its clients that same transformative effect "" leaving men looking better, feeling better and performing better. Since launching in 2002, 18|8 has established itself as the only men's salon catering to a discerning clientele with an upscale suite of hair care and salon services. To learn more about the 18|8 services coming to Princeton, visit www.eighteeneight.com or email Matt and Nancy at weingast@eighteeneight.com.